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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/4668-The-Art-of-the-Pick-Up-Line.html
Action/Adventure: October 19, 2011 Issue [#4668]

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Action/Adventure


 This week: The Art of the Pick-Up Line
  Edited by: Leger~ Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter


The purpose of this newsletter is to help the Writing.com author hone their craft and improve their skills. Along with that I would like to inform, advocate, and create new, fresh ideas for the author. Write to me if you have an idea you would like presented.

This week's Action / Adventure Editor
Leger~ Author Icon



Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor


Making Conversation - The Art of the Pick-Up Line


Your character's eyes meet across the crowded room. You're pretty sure they're attracted to one another, but how to get them to start dialog? They could brush against one another in a crowded room. He could ask her to dance. She could toss a drink in his face. She could take the bottom apple in the cart and start an apple avalanche. And there they are, face to face, what do they say? A cheesy pick-up line?

"Were you arrested earlier? It's gotta be illegal to look that good."
"Am I dead, Angel? Cause this must be heaven!"
"Can I take a picture of you, so I can show Santa just what I want for Christmas."
"If I could rearrange the alphabet, I'd put U and I together."
"Do you have any raisins? No? How about a date?"
"I hope you know CPR, because you take my breath away."
Turn to the girl sitting next to you at the bar and say... "I'm not really this tall....I'm sitting on my wallet."
"Did you fart, 'cause you blow me away!"

I told you they were cheesy! First impressions make a difference in how a character reacts in your writing, the same way they do in person. When starting dialog between two characters it is important to know ahead of time if they're destined to be together. The conflict and resolution, or attraction and bonding should start at the beginning. Take the time before you write your meeting and think about where you want the relationship to go and how they should relate to one another. This will have direct influence on what dialog you choose to write. If the girl doesn't have a sense of humor, a fart joke is going to repel her, be sure this is the reaction you're looking for. Keep your personalities consistent, what he thinks is funny one day will be on his top ten list the next. While choosing all your dialog, remember to cut most inane dialog out and write the most important exchanges.

Another tool to use with your characters is body language. Is she leaning toward him while he speaks to her? Does she fiddle with her hair? Does he stand in a wide stance or sidle in too close to her? This helps clue your reader in to what emotional reaction is going to happen and if they will form a bond. The best way to learn about body language is to observe people, how they react in different situations and how they use body language to give non-verbal cues to emotion.

Then you'll know when it's time to have your character walk away or take her hand. Write on!

What tools do you use to start dialog between characters?
Send in your reply below! *Down*


Editor's Picks

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Naomi Wiggins, the Captain's receptionist, had taken the measure of the young man sitting before her, and noted his poise and disciplined manner.


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Excerpt: To the Editor, Daily Gazette:

I feel compelled to respond to the letter you published in last week's paper portraying the crew of the Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley as a bunch of "hoodlums and terrorists."


 
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Ask & Answer


This month's question: What tools do you use to start dialog between characters?

Last month's question: What do you do to prepare for marathon writing sessions?


NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon: Great NL! I'm training for a half marathon right now AND writing a novel. Both projects are a first for me! So the info here rings true and resonates with me. Thanks!!

BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author IconMail Icon: To prepare for something, I recommend chicken wings and pork ribs.

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